MELISSA’S LOS ANGELES DINING GUIDE

By Melissa Curtin of lalascoop.com

Los Angeles has always been a haven where the rest of the country looks to for fresh and new. This creative city is constantly in motion with hip and happening new hotspots. Many chefs have upped the ante with new twists to make sure your taste buds never get bored. With an ever growing diverse food scene and a city that boasts fresh California produce, it is hard to stay on top of the culinary prowess of Los Angeles, a megalopolis with such talent and ethnic diversity, and here is a roundup of some of our favorite spots.

JetBlue’s Mint Class

One of the best airlines to fly cross country from JFK to LAX is with JetBlue’s Mint class. The hours will literally fly by in luxurious comfort. An unprecedented two-one-two seat arrangement means each Mint passenger can stretch their legs out to a fully flat without bothering the person in front of them. Enjoy hit movies from large 15-inch TVs and several gourmet meals from NYC’s downtown hotspot Saxon & Parole. As JetBlue has always thought outside of the box, the Mint class is truly a game changer.jetblue.com

Belvedere at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills

Classy and elegant, like the 90210 should be, the newly updated Belvedere with its airy charm and sunlight makes quite the special celebratory location. Sample their new menu featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and wild-caught seafood under the direction of Executive Chef David Codney. Feel like royalty with top notch service, with beautifully presented meals and seasonal cocktails. Chef Codney stated, “I don’t want the food to be something that took 15 hours to cook. It’s meant to be rustic and identifiable- it’s not food that’s been broken down so much that you don’t know what it is.”beverlyhills.peninsula.com

Hinoki and the Bird in Century City

Travel inspired dishes will keep you on your toes as this powerhouse lunch spot feeds the suit crowd with Fun Bites like a lobster roll with green curry and Thai basil on a charcoal roll, chili crab toast, rich lobster ramen, or ridiculously good crispy marinated chicken. Each Wednesday the chefs buy the best ingredients from the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market to create a five-course tasting menu for around $95.Hinokiandthebird.com

Viviane at the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills

Inside the Avalon Hotel, Designer Kelly Wearstler has transformed an indoor outdoor pool space to reflect a haute-vintage feel. Celebrated Chef Michael Hung brings California’s locally sourced seasonal produce straight to you by reviving continental classics. Our favorite dinner start was the yellowfin tuna tartar with horseradish and buratta mousse. Savor the Fuyu Persimmon and Corn Salad, seared Duck Breast, and whatever new option that pops up on their changing menu. Dine in a cozy romantic cabana hugging the pool or eat inside in the dimly lit space with a buzzing Angeleno crowd.vivianerestaurant.com/

Blind Dragon in West Hollywood

Attached to Roku Sunset, Blind Dragon’s dark sexy vibe brings glam karaoke to Hollywood. Get wild with your pals in a private karaoke room with sake and sing-alongs. Sip the Shanghai Mule while you admire the scantily clad staff that blends into the Asian-inspired décor. Celebs abound!blinddragonla.com

Petit Trois in Hollywood

The French have taken things down a notch, and we don’t mean the food, just the low key atmosphere where you can watch famed Chef Ludo Lefebvre and his highly trained staff prepare a meal you will never forget right behind the casual bar countertop. This intimate space offers the best French California cuisine outside of Paris. Order the buttery omelet with Boursin cheese and herbs. Try the escargot, chicken leg and brioche sauce, and make sure to end with the exquisite Napoleon. Don’t be surprised that this hidden gem lies in a dumpy parking lot off of Melrose and Highland right next to Trois Mec, Chef Ludo’s other secret arena where one must obtain a reservation online for this highly coveted multi course experience.petittrois.com

Nice Guy in West Hollywood

Come for the comfort food but stay for the exquisitely crafted cocktails, and nightlife. This intimate lounge filled with only the gorgeous turns into the hottest place to mingle with live music and many celebs dancing next to you while some take to the mic to show off their skills. Our last time included Kate Hudson, Derek Hough, and friends eating nearby.theniceguyla.com[/vc_column_text]